When It Comes To Love Addiction Therapy Atlanta Residents Have Caring, Professional Guidance Available To Them

By Marci Glover


Some may regard the notion of love addiction as trivial, but it is in fact a serious condition that ruins many lives. While it may not cause the same kind of visible damage as, say, alcoholism, it undoubtedly causes genuine damage to the life of each sufferer and to those close to them. Should they be in need of love addiction therapy Atlanta GA residents will be relieved to know that expert help is available.

This widespread disorder consists of dysfunctional and compulsive patterns of behavior regarding sexuality and romance. They are behaviors that are propelled by profound fears and desires that create tremendous stress, upheaval and unhappiness. Sufferers typically have very poor self-esteem and a consequent fear of being rejected by others. Their compulsive sexual/romantic behaviors are a subconscious attempt to shore up a frail identity and alleviate a fundamental insecurity.

As with most disorders of this nature, it often has its origins in the sufferer's childhood experiences. Traumatic events such as loss, rejection, neglect and abandonment, not to mention physical, emotional and sexual abuse, can have a devastating effect on a child's emotional and psychological development. Experiences of this nature can result in a damaged identity and seriously impaired self-confidence that sufferers seek to compensate for.

This damaged sense of self causes sufferers immense difficulties when it comes to forming healthy relationships with other people. They tend to have trouble establishing boundaries, and can be excessively needy and dependent. Some sufferers can be manipulative, jealous, controlling and possessive, even to the point of violence.

Those suffering with this condition will typically display a number of relationship pathologies. These can include, but are by no means limited to, an inability to stay single, a pronounced uneasiness about being single, remaining in destructive relationships, repeating destructive relationship patterns, undermining their reputation (by pursuing an unsuitable romantic partner) and neglecting/undermining their finances.

A big side-effect of these pathologies is the impact they have on other important areas of the sufferer's life. Areas like work and family life can deteriorate badly when the sufferer's time and energy is wasted elsewhere. Failures in time-keeping and productivity can lead to job loss and consequent financial difficulties. Neglected family relationships can lead to conflict and estrangement.

The good news is, the root causes of these behavior patterns can certainly be overcome with the right help. There are proven therapies that facilitate the development of healthy, positive behaviors and vastly improved ways of living. One-on-one counseling, support groups and CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), are all excellent ways in which patients can move beyond negative patterns of thinking, feeling and behaving.

When patients begin therapy, they will normally be asked to refrain from any sexual/romantic liaisons. This gives them some time and mental space to gain a fresh perspective on their difficulties. It also gives them an opportunity to deal with any other addiction issues, such as drug and alcohol dependency, that very often go with the territory. With professional support, patients can move away from their destructive behaviors and develop loving relationships that are based on genuine love and respect.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment